Gas is something many of us rely on every day, whether it’s heating a rental property, powering a busy commercial kitchen or keeping a workplace warm. But if gas appliances and equipment are not properly maintained, the consequences can be serious.
Gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning can all result from faulty installations, poor maintenance or unsafe use of gas equipment.
This Gas Safety Week, take a few moments to make sure your gas safety arrangements are up to date and that the people who rely on them remain protected.
Always Use a Qualified Professional
Any work involving gas appliances, pipework, fittings or flues should only be carried out by a competent professional.
For most workplaces, commercial premises and rented homes, this means using a Gas Safe registered engineer who is qualified for the specific type of work required.
Before allowing work to start:
✔ Check the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card
✔ Confirm they are qualified for the type of appliance or installation involved
✔ Check their registration online at the Gas Safe Register or call 0800 408 5500
If you suspect a gas appliance may be unsafe, stop using it immediately. If a Gas Safe engineer identifies an appliance as dangerous, they may disconnect it to prevent injury or loss of life. Never reconnect or use the appliance until it has been repaired and declared safe.
Running a Catering Business?
Commercial kitchens are busy environments, and gas-powered equipment often works hard throughout the day. Regular maintenance is essential to keep staff, customers and premises safe.
This applies to:
- Ovens
- Fryers
- Grills
- Cooking ranges
- Mobile catering equipment
- LPG appliances
All gas equipment should be professionally installed, serviced and repaired by a Gas Safe registered engineer with the correct commercial catering qualifications.
Keep maintenance records and servicing documents in a safe place. Environmental Health Officers may ask to see evidence that your equipment is being properly maintained.
Before arranging work, check that your engineer is qualified for:
- Natural gas or LPG, depending on your fuel supply
- Commercial catering equipment
- The specific appliance being worked on
For mobile food businesses, additional qualifications may be required to cover LPG systems and mobile catering installations.
A well-maintained kitchen is not only safer, it can also help reduce downtime and avoid costly repairs.
A Reminder for Landlords: Gas Safety Is a Legal Duty
As a landlord, you are responsible for keeping gas appliances, pipework and flues supplied with your property in a safe condition.
To meet your responsibilities, you must:
✅ Arrange an annual gas safety inspection by a Gas Safe registered engineer
✅ Provide existing tenants with a Gas Safety Record within 28 days of the inspection
✅ Give new tenants a copy before they move in
✅ Keep gas safety records for at least two further inspections
✅ Ensure any appliance left by a previous tenant is safe or remove it before re-letting
✅ Install and check carbon monoxide alarms where required
✅ Ensure alarms meet the relevant British Standard and are maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions
✅ Regular checks help protect both tenants and landlords and can identify problems before they become dangerous.
Storing Gas Cylinders Safely
Gas cylinders are commonly used in catering businesses, outdoor heating, maintenance activities and mobile food units. Incorrect storage can increase the risk of leaks, fire or explosion.
Keep gas cylinders safe by:
✅ Storing them in a secure, well-ventilated location, ideally outdoors
✅ Keeping them away from heat sources, naked flames and electrical equipment
✅ Storing cylinders upright and securing them to prevent them falling over
✅ Separating full and empty cylinders where possible
✅Keeping storage areas free from rubbish, dry vegetation and combustible materials
✅ Protecting cylinders from vehicle impact and unauthorised access
✅ Remember, even “empty” cylinders can still contain gas and should be treated with the same care as full ones.
Never store cylinders:
✖ In basements or cellars
✖ In stairways or escape routes
✖ Near building entrances, windows or ventilation openings
✖ In enclosed, poorly ventilated cupboards
Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted.
Because it gives no warning signs, it is often referred to as the silent killer.
Carbon monoxide can be produced when gas, oil, coal or wood-burning appliances do not burn fuel properly. Faulty appliances, blocked flues, poor ventilation or lack of servicing can all contribute to a dangerous build-up.
Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
The symptoms can easily be mistaken for flu or fatigue, making carbon monoxide poisoning difficult to recognise.
If You Suspect Carbon Monoxide
- Leave the building immediately and get into fresh air.
- Call 999 if anyone is seriously unwell or has collapsed.
- Seek urgent medical advice and explain that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected.
- Contact the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
- Do not return to the building until it has been checked and made safe.
- Have all appliances, flues and ventilation systems inspected before they are used again.
Know What To Do If You Smell Gas
If you smell gas or believe there is an immediate danger:
Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately.
If necessary, leave the building and call 999 from a safe location.
A Small Check Can Prevent a Major Incident
Whether you’re a landlord, business owner or commercial caterer, gas safety should never be an afterthought. Regular inspections, professional maintenance and knowing the warning signs can help prevent fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Taking action today could protect your staff, tenants, customers and business tomorrow.